The vascular disrupting agent (VDA) is under investigation in treating specific types of cancer with high unmet medical need and poor prognosis. Mesothelioma is included in the study, and is entering Phase II clinical trials.

The company reports favorable findings in mesothelioma patients in a Phase I trial. Based on these results, Cytopia is beginning feasibility analysis for a Phase II study in mesothelioma patients who have failed the currently approved drug, Alimta (pemetrexed).

The single-arm study will include 20-30 patients in Australia, the United States and Asia. The company hopes that activity in second-line mesothelioma could lead to expedited drug approval and a fast to-market strategy for the compound in this cancer indication. They expect to file reports on this study in the third quarter of 2008.

Cytopia, Ltd., is an Australian biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of new drugs to treat cancer.

SOURCE: myMeso › Australian company advances anti-cancer drug